Cinnamomum camphora
Camphor laurel
Family: Lauraceae
Origin: Asia
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Not a legally declared pest
General description
Large evergreen tree < 30 m tall. Leaves are < 10 x 5 cm, glossy and smell of camphor when crushed. Flowers are minute, white and borne in clusters in spring. Fruits are round drupes 8-10 mm in diameter and green ripening to black.
What you need to know
Although camphor laurel is not a legally declared pest plant, it may still be invasive in some situations. Consider lower risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.
Habitats
Forest, scrubland, riparian margins, pasture, disturbed habitats, roadsides, fencerows.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by birds and water. Vegetative spread from suckering. Human-mediated dispersal through deliberate plantings.
Impact on environment
Forms dense stands, outcompeting and displacing native plants and suppressing native regeneration.
Control
Site management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds.
Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
No qualifications: Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with metsulfuron gel.
Basic Growsafe certified: Cut stump and spray freshly cut base with 1g metsulfuron-methyl per 1 L of water.
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Drill and inject trees with 10g metsulfuron-methyl per 1L of water if safe to do so. Drill 18mm holes (tangentially angled downwards) in a spiral up the trunk.
For 50mm stems drill one hole. For 100mm stems drill two holes. For larger stems drill holes 150mm apart. Foliar spray seedlings with 5g metsulfuron-methyl per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant
Safety notes
Large trees must not be drilled or ringbarked that are closer than 1.5 times the height of the tree from paths, walkways and property.
Trees over 4 metres in height should be removed by a qualified arborist.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
